Assessment Task 2: Research Essay

Assessment Task 2: Research Essay

Due Date: 13/11  2019

Value:     40%

Details of task: This task will enable students to demonstrate their understandings of key theoretical constructs which underpin social policy development. The Australian Government Department of Social Security policy 3.8.2 – Mutual Obligation Requirements for NSY/YA Job Seekers from the Social Security Guide Version 1.2.5.3 will provide the platform for the essay question:

Critically discuss how the  Mutual Obligation Requirements policy for NSY/YA Job Seekers Policy reflects the theoretical construct of neoliberalism. Identify three specific examples of words, phrases or statements which you think reflect neoliberalist ideology FROM THIS SPECIFIC POLICY DOCUMENT, and use published (peer-reviewed journal articles, books or book chapters) literature to support your examples.

Rationale of the task: A research essay tests high order thinking, a capacity to examine, analyse, evaluate and develop a sophisticated argument that is well structured and well-argued and supported by literature. The skills you acquire are: capacity for high order thinking, ability to critically analyse complex social theories and constructions, develop research skills, deep understanding of values, ideologies and social constructs that impact the formation of social policies in a liberal welfare state.

Word limit: 2000 words (+/- 10%)

Assessment Criteria:

The course coordinator or tutor will assess this task. Students are to submit this task via Moodle.  Students will receive written feedback via Moodle. The criteria and weighting are as follows:

–  Identification and critical analysis of three specific examples of words, phrases or statements FROM THE MUTUAL OBLIGATION POLICY which reflect neoliberalist ideology, and use high quality   published literature to support argument (25% for each example (10 marks each) – total of 75%)

·  Quality of presentation and writing style, strict adherence to APA referencing, and strength and clarity of arguments within the essay as a whole (25% – 10 marks)